Badge

–You've on the mend, then, after your recent unpleasant affliction?
– It seems I am over the worst of it. I dragged  myself back to work yesterday. I don't think I've ever had so long off work due to illness.
– That is an exemplary achievement. They ought to give you a badge, or a certificate, or something.
– I'm afraid there is little chance of that. Anyway, I do not do these things for public recognition.
– I suppose your infirmity was just another symptom of time's relentless progress.
– How do you mean?
– Well, none of us is getting any younger.
– That's true.
– And shingles is typically an illness of the elderly and infirm.
– I'm not so sure about typically...
– The point is, you're unfortunately past your prime. Indeed, you have another significant birthday next week.
– I'm not sure it's such a significant one. More routine, I would say.
– I think at your age, they are all significant.
– Right...
– But don't worry: these things are to be embraced.
– They are?
– Given you have no chance of keeping it secret from your colleagues, you might as well embrace it.